Analysis: Is Treylon Burks the best wide receiver in Arkansas history?
Numbers are one way to tell a story. The eye-test another. Pro potential even a third way. Then, when evaluating a player’s greatness, context must be considered. For example, what was his competition like? How many other key contributors did he have at his position on his team? How good were his teammates? So on and so far.
It’s more of an art, less of a science. And it’s a totally subjective – irrelevant, yet fun – exercise.
When it comes to considering Treylon Burks’ status as the all-time best wide receiver in Arkansas history, much comes to consider.
Burks may have played in his final game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Friday night. His seven catches for 129 yards and a touchdown in the Hogs’ 34-17 win over Missouri would be a suitable capper to his career if he is, in fact, finished playing regular-season games in an Arkansas uniform. Burks, a junior, is eligible for the NFL draft in the spring and is projected to be a first- or second-round pick.
His rankings among the all-timers in receiving at Arkansas are the stuff of legend.
1. Record-breaking
Nov 20, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Treylon Burks (16) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Burks is sixth in Razorbacks history in receptions with 146. An eight-catch bowl game would place him fourth. His 66 grabs this year tie him with Jarius Wright for second in a single season.
Burks is sixth in Razorbacks history in yards receiving with 2,399. A 42-yard effort in the bowl game would place him fourth on that list, as well. With 1,104 yards this season, he’s third in a single year, only 11 yards behinds Wright for second place.
And when it comes to touchdown receptions, Burks ranks in a tie for fifth with Cobi Hamilton, having 18 in his career. Two in the bowl game would place him fourth. For touchdown catches in a single season, Burks needs just one to tie Wright for the all-time Arkansas lead.
Jarius Wright, Marcus Monk, Joe Adams, Cobi Hamilton, Anthony Lucas and all the others accomplished their career statistics over four playing seasons. Burks, if he left, would only have three.
2. NFL status
Sep 28, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Treylon Burks (16) cannot catch a pass while defended by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Charles Oliver (21) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Consider, too, his potential. Only one Arkansas wide receiver has ever been taken higher than the fourth round. That was Lance Alworth, who was the No. 8 overall pick in 1962 when the game was much different than it is now. Matt Jones, who played wide receiver in the NFL, was a first-round selection, but he played quarterback with the Razorbacks.
3. Invaluable to his team
Arkansas receiver Treylon Burks (16) shakes LSU defender Cordale Flott (25) as he runs for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Arkansas’ best season in a decade (8-4) would have been improbable, if not outright impossible, without Burks. Arkansas’ next leading receiver is Tyson Morris, who has 21 catches for 305 yards. Morris, Warren Thompson and De’Vion Warren are all capable SEC wide receivers. But they would be No. 3 and lower on most other league powers. Burks draws the best defenders and coordinators gameplan to stop him. And yet.
4. The eye-test
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER 17: Treylon Burks #16 of the Arkansas Razorbacks catches a touchdown pass with one foot in against A.J. Finley #21 of the Mississippi Rebels at Razorback Stadium on October 17, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The most subjective of all. But we will leave this to your eyeballs. We are going to bet you come to the same conclusion we do: Treylon Burks is the best wideout in Arkansas history.
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